When I had to choose the subject for my research, I first sat down and searched on the internet but found nothing that I really connected to. The day after I sat down with my father thinking and searching for a good subject. My father came up with the idea of researching the project done by the grandfather of a good friend of mine. I talked with my friend many times about her grandfather but didn't quite understand what his work was. Her father was also involved, and would fly to Rwanda every once in a while. From there, I searched the internet for information on the project, and at that moment I decided that this is the perfect subject for my research. In conclusion, the organization is a youth village in Rwanda that is called the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village—meaning "The Place Where The Tears are Dried". In the village, there are orphans from all over Rwanda who were left with nothing—physically and emotionally. Amazing people from Israel built this village, and continue to work there. I think that the Israelis who established the organization are wonderful, beautiful human beings who are doing such a great act of loving-kindness. In conclusion, I chose this subject because I feel very connected to good that the people in the organization do. When I finished my research, I was amazed from the good that some people do. When I interviewed my mother's friend, Talya, who lives in Tekoa, I was shocked to see how much she gives of herself, without receiving money for all that she does. Talya is the manager of the Agency for the Development of the Child. She takes care of children, and does that as a volunteer. I really hope that one day I will get to help people as well and feel the great feeling that Talya described. The subject for the creative connection that I chose is a song that has accompanied me since I was a little girl and has a strong place in my heart. I think that it reflects my love and connection to the country. It describes how much I see in the people who live around me, and how we are all connected to a great dream. When I hear this song, it reminds me of how much beauty there is in people and how much fun it is to be an Israeli.
Research
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village On April 6 1994, Rwanda's president, Juvenal Habyarimana, was killed when his plane was shot out of the air. Hutus were called upon to massacre their long-standing enemies, the Tutsis who, years earlier, had massacred the Hutus. Close to a million people were killed in the most barbaric ways as the world stood by helplessly. As a result, millions of people lost their homes, their families and millions of children lost their parents. Even today, the country is in a bad condition. Poverty and hunger are everywhere. In Israel there are lots of Children’s Villages. A lot of people are involved in improving the lives of children at risk. One of those people is Haim Perry (whose granddaughter is one of my best friends). Haim was the head of the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel for many years. At the time that Haim was considering what to do next in his life, a Jewish lawyer in the United States collected lots of donations and gathered 12 million dollars to help orphans in Rwanda. However, she didn’t know what the best way was to help. Knowing that Israel had huge success with children at risk, children from broken homes, she turned to Israelis who she knew, who pointed her to Haim. Haim decided to step down from his role at Yemin Orde and take on maybe the biggest challenge in his life—helping orphans who had seen their parents hacked to death. The ultimate goal of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is to help the orphans to recover from the trauma they have been through and to teach each one how to become a healthy,Independent child and to grow both emotionally and intellectually. In the village there are many houses where the orphans live. In each house there are 5 bedrooms, and in each room 4 kids and one responsible adult. Ninety-percent of the children in the village lost their parents and were left alone. Ten- percent have been left with only their mother, and not even one child has a father. In the village there are many Israeli volunteers who help raise the children, help them emotionally and become their friends. The volunteers help the orphans develop and build the village—and a lot more. The people who volunteered in the Agahozo-Shalom Youth village described their work there as the most amazing thing that they have ever done in their life. They speak about how much the kids have taught them and how much they have grown. As mentioned, the village is called “Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village”. Agahozo means “the place where tears are dried.” And of course “Shalom” means peace, and a message from the Israeli people hoping that they will learn to live in peace. Ann Haiman, the founder, says that though the children are learning to dry their tears, everyone who visits and is touched by the place cries. The manager, Nir Lahav (an Israeli) in the village says that the village is very well-known in Rwanda and many politicians and statesmen visit each year, seeing how the education works and how it can be applied in other places. It is important to the teachers and volunteers to help, but not to change the children’s culture. Rwanda may have had lots of troubles, but it also has a rich and beautiful culture. This may sound strange, given the history of genocide and warfare. All the volunteers speak about how much happiness there is, and how the people are naturally friendly and helpful. People who come from all over the world, and have visited in many places, say that the joy and natural happiness that they see in the adults and the children of Rwanda is more than in almost any other place in the world.
The Village
Profile
Ever since Talya Golan was a little girl she wanted to be a nurse. However, at age eight she had a traumatic medical condition requiring hospitalization that crushed that dream. Since then she knew that she wanted to teach children and to help them. Five years ago, Talya started working at "Yad – Sara" (a Hospital). At first she was the head of the Child Rehab Project in the hospital. Then she moved to a new job (still at Yad Sara) with responsibility for a project in the hospital where the parents receive support, information, and help caring for their sick children. Then there was a period of time when Talya worked at various jobs and on many projects: she worked with people suffering from terminal illnesses; after a time she saw a sign that said that an organization that she was familiar with was searching for a Manager. She seized the opportunity, applied and received the job. The organization was called "The Agency for the Development of Children". The organization was established by the Education Department in order to help communities that do not have the time and resources to help children with illnesses or other problems. This agency has twenty-seven branches throughout Israel. The "The Agency for the Development of Children" helps children with health problems which include everything from regular medical problems and includes to really severe physical, genetic and developmental problems. In addition, these children come from houses where their parents do not have enough time to take care of their sick child and their other children as well. Several examples are: a child in kindergarten who was unable to draw or paint. Another baby had a heart problem from birth. There are children who cannot handle bright light and are therefore unable to participate in many activities. There are children who cannot eat normally, or who lack a sense of smell. There are children with communication problems including even the ability to talk. Parents who do not know how to take care of their child come in and the clinic counsels them on how to take care of the child, how to treat him, give him enough attention while continuing to provide love and support for the whole family. They help them find clinics that are close to their homes and match them to the best clinic for their needs. Each child gets a personalized, detailed treatment plan. One important contribution that the clinic has is to prioritize the most important medical treatments, and help the parents limit the number of medical and hospital visits that the child undergoes. Without the clinic's intervention, sometimes the doctors or the parents overestimate the child's abilities, and forget that the child cannot handle that many medical treatments. Today, Talya is the manager, as a volunteer, of the clinic located in Maale Adumim. She is the manager of twenty workers in the organization. In at the same time, she teaches Special Education to children with moderate to severe educational disabilities including autism, genetic disorders, and other problems. There, she teaches the children how to use computers, prepares them for their bagrut exams, and so on. Talya remembers one amazing situation where the mother sat with her child every day with the belief that he could overcome his disability, and live a life filled with joy and happiness. They prepared a plan of treatment including medical attention and counseling on how to take care of the child, accept him, and believe in his ability to progress in his life. The program is set up that the rapist meets with the child for forty-five minutes each week, without the parents, and treats him with emphasis on his emotional well - being and how to cope. Several parents say that the organization has saved their lives since they had tried a number of hospitals, clinics and other organizations but these organizations did not give them the personal attention that they needed that they got from Talya's clinic in Maale Adumim. Talya says that she feels that she is learning the real value of life from the people whom she works with: the parents, the children, in every hour of every day that she volunteers there. In conclusion, Talya says that "even during the hardest moments, when you might think that this is the end and you cannot go on, you can find strength, faith and the power to continue". Talya's message for teenagers is, "you should follow your heart. don’t work just for the money". I conclude with the answers to several questions that Talya provided: Question: what advice do you have for teenagers choosing a profession: Answer: My message to young people and in fact to my own children is: 1. Follow your heart. Do not seek money only—do something meaningful. Go to where you get up every day with a smile and with a feeling that you are glad for what you are doing. 2. I pray every day and hope to have the power to see only virtue in the people around me. It's not always easy. But that message is very important to me. What I hope to have is really faith in the people around me. 3. Do not give up on your dreams. Then, you will deserve even higher dreams. 4. Much can be learned from mistakes. It's fun to learn from success. But often we make mistakes and must see them as an opportunity to learn. Today's mistake is exactly the challenge of tomorrow. Never give up and think that there is no way out. That would be the end! Never make the mistake of giving in to desperation. Believe that obstacles are part of the way and perhaps the most important part at that. Question: What do you see yourself in five / ten years? Answers: Ten years! That's a lot. But I think that I would like to form a support center for women undergoing fertility treatment. It would be a treatment center to provide emotional support to all those couples having difficulty with what nature has denied them—bringing children and descendents. We believe that with the right emotional support you can raise the success rate of medical therapy. I'm already planning my next book that will deal with stories that provide metaphors, illustrating the way our special treatment works. unit for child development. If only I could have been a better grandmother than I had. And I would like to be to my children and grandchildren a source of emotional support and joy. That would fulfill me.
Personal connection
אהבת ישראל בנשמה
Love of Israel and soul Reva l'Sheva Band Words and music by David Abramson Two thousand years I wander Looking for the country that I love Every day a new broken heart Every day a new tomorrow When will there be the redemption? I firmly believe In the coming of the messiah And Love of the Land of Israel Each day arrives Here Here it comes Love of Israel – in my soul Zion -- Every morning I pray for you No slumber or sleep for the Keeper of Israel Every single day I love Every single day with all my heart Peace on Israel I firmly believe In the Coming of the messiah And Love of the Land of Israel Each day arrives Here Here it comes Love of Israel in our souls
When I was a little girl my family and I came to Israel. The move affected and affects my life as a Jewish-Israeli girl in many ways. I am very thankful that I live in Israel – I love my country very much. I express that love in many ways: I explore the country, I go on hikes to see how beautiful it is. I thank HaShem every day for the privilege of living here. I chose one of the songs that reflects my life and feelings—expressing the love and connection to my country. The song is called "In the Soul". The song was written by David Abrahamson, known as Harpo—May he rest in peace. Harpo lived in Tekoa with his family. Harpo has twin daughters who are my age, and are my friends. Last year on Rosh Hodesh Adar he passed away. Ever since I came to Israel as a little girl I have listened to this song and I sing it often. I have always enjoyed it. I clearly remember this song from my youth as a part of my life here. When we arrived, the people and especially young people, helped us and welcomed us warmly to Tekoa. The song reminds me of that time, of the wonderful people who greeted me, and how much I love it here. I think that the best message from this song, is how the artist searched, prayed, and waited for the redemption. He yearns that one day that Israel will have peace. Though the artist explains how he awaits for the redemption, he says that every new day he awakens to a world full of love and, with his whole heart, he feels the dream in his heart for the people of Israel to have peace. I think that it is wonderful how the artist says how much he waits for that moment every day he gets to that point and still he continues to pray and await for the redemption. My true connection reflected in my belief in G-d and the coming of the Messiah, and I think that it is amazing how the artist expresses this hope that we all have and uses it to get to a peaceful place every day. Despite the fact that our country is far from having been redeemed, still it can attain a vision of life after the Mashiach comes. Perhaps if we all have this belief, this excitement, and this sense of peace, we can hasten the redemption.
Reflection
At first when I started writing my project I did not think that I would enjoy it. To be honest, I do not connect to most of my works, and they do not touch my heart and enlarge my scope of awareness. When I searched for an idea for my research article, I found “The Agahozo Shalom Youth Village”. As I learned more about the village, I saw how much those people help and just come up with an idea to give up their time in order to help children, that are not related to them in any way, really touched my heart. When I interviewed Talya for my project, I felt that there is so much to learn and receive from her personality and her work. It also made me realize that there are so many good people in this country of Israel that dedicate their lives it in order to make Israel a better place. I feel that this project has improved my writing, and expanded my point of view towards the world. As I started writing my personal connection, I identified more and more with Harpo’s song. Although it was a song that accompanied me, as a Tekoa resident, from the time that I was a little girl, new meanings opened up for me as I thought about and sang it again.
As a little girl, what did you want to do when you grow up?
Did you think that you would work at this type of job?
In which organization did you work?
What do you do there?
What are the goals of the organization?
How does the organization help people?
When and who established the organization?
How did you get to this job?
10.What exactly is your job in the organization? 11.Are there special qualities that are needed for this type of work? 12.Is it possible to create a friendship with the people who you are helping? 13.Why did you choose this type of job? 14.What are the things that you like or dislike about this job? 15.Do you feel that you learn from your work? 16.What message do you give to teenagers? 17.Do you feel that your job affects your personal life? 18.Do you feel that you are successful in the goals that you set for yourself and for the organization? 19.Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Copies of the sources:
Ynet special: The tear driers Sixteen years after their parents were murdered before their eyes, Rwanda genocide orphans get rare chance to start anew in unique youth village. Ynet reporter joins Israeli delegation from Children's Home in Netanya on a once-in-a-lifetime journey RWANDA – Many Israeli schools send their students on educational visits to the Nazi death camps in Poland in hopes that they'll come back more mature and more humane. Last summer I had the privilege of accompanying an Israeli delegation with similar objectives, but a different destination. The plane carrying a group of at-risk children and teenagers from the Bet Elazraki Children's Home in Netanya landed in Rwanda. In 1919 Rwanda underwent a major change when it became a mandate territory of the League of Nations under the administration of Belgium, which introduced the doctrine of racial superiority to the former German colony. By measuring the skulls and noses of the locals, the Belgians created a racial-based division between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes. On April 6 1994, the plane carrying Rwanda's president, Juvenal Habyarimana, was shot down. Despite the fact that it was not clear who was behind the hit, media incitement against the Tutsis intensified, and the Hutus were urged to rise up and massacre them. Thus, between April and July of that year, close to a million people were butchered, stoned, shot, raped and throw into the river. The genocide ended when Paul Kagame, an exiled Tutsi who lived in Uganda, returned with a small army and took control of the country while putting an end to the killing.
Leaving trauma behind Some 250 people who were orphaned in the genocide currently reside in the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV), and many more are expected to join them in the coming years. 2. The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) is a residential community in rural Rwanda. Its 144 acres are home to youth who were orphaned during and after the genocide in 1994. The Village is designed to care for, protect and nurture these young people. It is a place of hope, where "tears are dried" (signified by the Kinyarwanda word agahozo) and where the aim is to live in peace (from Hebrew, shalom). The marrying of these two languages and concepts in the name of the Village is intended as a reminder of the success of similar efforts in Israel, where genocide also changed the face of a nation. Within Agahozo-Shalom’s supportive and structured community, the rhythm of life is being restored, with the ultimate goal of equipping young people who have lived through great trauma to become healthy, self-sufficient, and engaged in the rebuilding of their nation. The environment of love and safety created at Agahozo-Shalom serves as the backdrop for programs designed to help our teenagers grow both emotionally and intellectually. The experiences they accumulate at their village home are intended to help them at every level of their future development. In addition to healing oneself, Agahozo-Shalom teaches the principle of serving the community, both locally and globally. The young people at Agahozo-Shalom are learning through principle and practice the value of mending the world around them (as are the many volunteers who join us from around the world). Our graduates will emerge from Agahozo-Shalom as balanced adults who are not only able to care for themselves and their families, but who are committed to making their community, their country, and their world, a better place. 3. Rwanda Rwanda /ruːˈɑːndə/ or /ruːˈændə/, officially the Republic of Rwanda (Kinyarwanda: Repubulika y'u Rwanda; French: République du Rwanda), is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million (2011). Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with a geography dominated by mountains in the west, savanna in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The climate is temperate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year. The population is young and predominantly rural, with a density among the highest in Africa. Rwandans form three groups: the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. These groups share a common culture and language and are classified as social groups rather than tribes. Christianity is the largest religion in the country, and the principal language is Kinyarwanda, spoken by most Rwandans. Rwanda follows a presidential system of government. The President is Paul Kagame of the Rwandan (RPF). The government receives electoral support from across the community, and corruption levels are low relative to other Sub-Saharan African countries, although human rights organizations allege suppression of opposition groups.
Rough draft:Appendix II. ProfileEver since Talya Golan was a little girl she wanted to be a nurse. However, at age eight she had a traumatic medical condition requiring hospitalization that crushed that dream. Since then she knew that she wanted to teach children and to help them. Five years ago, Talya started working at "Yad – Sara" (a Hospital). At first she was the head of the Child Rehab Project in the hospital. Then she moved to a new job (still at Yad Sara) with responsibility for a project in the hospital where the parents receive support, information, and help caring for their sick children. Then there was a period of time when Talya worked at many varied jobs and on many projects: she worked with people suffering from terminal illnesses; after a time she saw a sign that said that an organization that she was familiar with was searching for a Manager. She seized the opportunity, applied and received the job. The organization was called "The Agency for the Development of Children". The organization was established by the Education Department in order to help communities that do not have the time and resources to help children with illnesses or other problems. This agency has twenty-seven branches throughout Israel. In the "The Agency for the Development of Children" children with health problems which include everything from regular medical problems and all the way to really severe physical, genetic and developmental problems that come from houses where their parents do not have enough time to take care of their sick child and their other children as well. Several examples are: a child in kindergarten who was unable to draw or paint. Another baby had a heart problem from birth. There are children who cannot handle bright light and are therefore unable to participate in many activities. There are children who cannot eat normally, and who lack a sense of smell. There are children with communication problems including even the ability to talk. Parents who do not know how to take care of their child come in and the clinic counsels them on how to take care of the child, how to treat him, give him enough attention while continuing to provide love and support for the whole family. They help them find clinics that are close to their homes and match them to the best clinic for their needs. Each child gets a personalized, detailed treatment plan. One important contribution that the clinic has is to prioritize the most important medical treatments, and help the parents limit the number of medical and hospital visits that the child undergoes. Without the clinic, sometimes the doctors or the parents overdo it and forget that the child cannot handle that many medical treatments. Today, Talya is the manager, as a volunteer, in the clinic located in Maale Adumim, She is the manager of twenty workers in the organization. In parallel, she teaches Special Education to children with moderate to severe educational disabilities including autism, genetic disorders, and other problems. There, she teaches the children how to use computers, prepares children for their bagrut exams, Talya remembers one amazing situation where the mother sat with her child every day with belief that he could succeed. They prepared a plan of treatment including medical attention and counseling on how to take care of the child, accept him, and believe in his ability to progress in his life. The therapist meets with the child for forty-five minutes each week, without the parents, and treats him with emphasis on his emotional state and how to cope. Several parents say that the organization saved their lives and that they had tried a number of hospitals, clinics and other organizations but these organizations did not give them the personal attention that they needed that they got from Talya's clinic in Maale Adumim. Talya says that she feels that she is learning the real value of life from the people whom she works with, the parents, the children, in every hour of every day that she volunteers there. In conclusion, Talya says that even during the hardest moments, when you might think that this is the end and you cannot go on, you can find strength, faith and the power to continue. Appendix III. ResearchThe Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Raheli Cooper On April 6 1994, Rwanda's president, Juvenal Habyarimana, was killed when his plane was shot out of the air. Hutus were called upon to massacre their long-standing enemies, the Tutsis who, years earlier, had massacred the Hutus. Close to a million people were killed in the most barbaric ways as the world stood helplessly by. As a result, millions of people lost their homes, their families and millions of children lost their parents. Even today, the country is in a bad condition. Poverty and hunger are everywhere. In Israel there are lots of Children’s Villages. A lot of people are involved in improving the lives of children at risk. One of those people is Haim Perry (whose granddaughter is one of my best friends). Haim was the head of the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel for many years. At the time that Haim was considering what to do next in his life, a Jewish lawyer in the United States collected lots of donations and gathered 12 million dollars to help orphans in Rwanda. However, she didn’t know what the best way was to help. Knowing that Israel had huge success with children at risk, children from broken homes, she turned to Israelis who she knew, who pointed her to Haim. Haim decided to step down from his role at Yemin Orde and take on maybe the biggest challenge in his life—helping orphans who had seen their parents hacked to death. The ultimate goal of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is to help the orphans to recover from the trauma they have been through and to teach each one how to become a healthy, Independent child and to grow both emotionally and intellectually. In the village there are many houses where the orphans live. In each house there are 5 bedrooms, and in each room 4 kids and one responsible adult. Ninety-percent of the children in the village lost their parents and were left alone. Ten- percent have been left with only their mother, and not even one child has a father. In the village there are many Israeli volunteers who help raise the children, help them emotionally and become their friends. The volunteers help the orphans develop and build the village—and a lot more. The people who volunteered in the Agahozo-Shalom Youth village described their work there as the most amazing thing that they have ever done in their life. They speak about how much the kids have taught them and how much they have grown. As mentioned, the village is called “Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village”. Agahozo means “the place where tears are dried.” And of course “Shalom” mean peace, and a message from the Israeli people hoping that they will learn to live in peace. Ann Haiman, the founder, says that though the children are learning to dry their tears, everyone who visits and is touched by the place cries. The manager, Nir Lahav (an Israeli) in the village says that the village is very well-known in Rwanda and many politicians and statesmen visit each year, seeing how the education works and how it can be applied in other places. It is important to the teachers and volunteers to help, but not to change the children’s culture. Rwanda may have had lots of troubles, but it also has a rich and beautiful culture. This may sound strange, given the history of genocide and warfare. All the volunteers speak about how much happiness there is, and how the people are naturally friendly and helpful. People who come from all over the world, and have visited in many places, say that the joy and natural happiness that they see in the adults and the children of Rwanda is more than in almost any other place in the world. Appendix IV: RationaleWhen I had to choose the subject for my research, I first sat down and searched on the internet but found nothing that I really connected to. The day after I sat down with my father thinking and searching for a good subject. My father came up with the idea of researching the project done by the grandfather of a good friend of mine. I talked with my friend many times about her grandfather but didn't quite understand what his work was. Her father also was involved, and would fly to Rwanda every once in a while. From there, I searched the internet for information on the project, and at that moment I decided that this is the perfect subject for my research. In conclusion, the organization is a youth village in Rwanda that is called the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village—meaning "The Place Where The Tears are Dried". In the village, there are orphans from all over Rwanda who were left with nothing—physically and emotionally. Amazing people from Israel built this village, and continue to work there. I think that the Israelis who established the organization are wonderful, beautiful human beings who are doing such a great act of loving-kindness. In conclusion, I chose this subject because I feel very connected to good that the people do in the organization. Exactly when I finished my research, and I was so amazed from the good that people do, I did not know that there are so many people in the world who do so many great things for society. When I interviewed my mother's friend, Talya, who lives in Tekoa, I was shocked to see how much she gives of herself, without receiving money for all that she does. Talya is the manager of the Agency for the Development of the Child. She takes care of children, and does that as a volunteer. I really hope that one day I will get to help people as well and feel the great feeling that Talya described. The subject for the creative connection that I chose is a song that accompanied me since I was a little girl and has a strong place in my heart. I think that it reflects my love and connection to the country. It describes how much I see in the people who live around me, and how we are all connected to a great dream. When I hear this song, it reminds of how much beauty there is in people and how much fun it is to be an Israeli. Appendix V: Personal ConnectionWhen I was a little girl my family and I came to Israel. The move affects my life as a Jewish-Israeli girl in many ways. I am very thankful that I live in Israel – I love my country very much. I express that love in many ways: I explore the country, I go on hikes to see how beautiful it is. I thank HaShem every day for the privilege of living here. I chose one of the songs that reflects my life and feelings—expressing the love and connection to my country. The song is called "In the Soul". The song was written by David Abrahamson, known as Harpo—May he rest in peace. Harpo lived in Tekoa with his family. Harpo has twin daughters who are my age, and are my friends. Last year on Rosh Hodesh Adar he passed away. Ever since I came to Israel as a little girl I have listened to this song and I sing it often. I have always enjoyed it. I clearly remember this song from my youth as a part of my life here. When we arrived, the people and especially young people, helped us and welcomed us to Tekoa very nicely. The song reminds me of that time, of the wonderful people who greeted me, and how much I love it here. I think that the thing that I love the most from this song, is how the artist searched, prayed, and waited for the redemption. He yearns that one day that Israel will have peace. Though the artist explains how he awaits for the redemption, he says that every new day he awakens to a world full of love and, with his whole heart, he feels the dream in his heart for the people of Israel to have peace. I think that it is a wonderful thing that the artist says how much he waits for that moment every day he gets to that point and still he continues to pray and await for the redemption. My true connection reflected in my belief in G-d and the coming of the Messiah, and I think that it is amazing how the artist expresses this hope that we all have and uses it to get to a peaceful place every day. Despite the fact that our country is far from having been redeemed, still he can attain a vision of life after the Mashiach comes. Perhaps if we all have this belief, this excitement, and this sense of peace, we can hasten the redemption. Appendix VI: ReflectionAt first when I started writing my project I did not think that I would enjoy it. To be honest, I do not connect to most of my works, and they do not touch my heart and enlarge my scope of awareness.
Table of Contents
B"H
Wonderful People
Rationale
When I had to choose the subject for my research, I first sat down and searched on the internet but found nothing that I really connected to. The day after I sat down with my father thinking and searching for a good subject. My father came up with the idea of researching the project done by the grandfather of a good friend of mine. I talked with my friend many times about her grandfather but didn't quite understand what his work was. Her father was also involved, and would fly to Rwanda every once in a while.From there, I searched the internet for information on the project, and at that moment I decided that this is the perfect subject for my research. In conclusion, the organization is a youth village in Rwanda that is called the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village—meaning "The Place Where The Tears are Dried". In the village, there are orphans from all over Rwanda who were left with nothing—physically and emotionally. Amazing people from Israel built this village, and continue to work there. I think that the Israelis who established the organization are wonderful, beautiful human beings who are doing such a great act of loving-kindness.
In conclusion, I chose this subject because I feel very connected to good that the people in the organization do.
When I finished my research, I was amazed from the good that some people do. When I interviewed my mother's friend, Talya, who lives in Tekoa, I was shocked to see how much she gives of herself, without receiving money for all that she does. Talya is the manager of the Agency for the Development of the Child. She takes care of children, and does that as a volunteer. I really hope that one day I will get to help people as well and feel the great feeling that Talya described.
The subject for the creative connection that I chose is a song that has accompanied me since I was a little girl and has a strong place in my heart. I think that it reflects my love and connection to the country. It describes how much I see in the people who live around me, and how we are all connected to a great dream.
When I hear this song, it reminds me of how much beauty there is in people and how much fun it is to be an Israeli.
Research
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
On April 6 1994, Rwanda's president, Juvenal Habyarimana, was killed when his plane was shot out of the air. Hutus were called upon to massacre their long-standing enemies, the Tutsis who, years earlier, had massacred the Hutus. Close to a million people were killed in the most barbaric ways as the world stood by helplessly.
As a result, millions of people lost their homes, their families and millions of children lost their parents. Even today, the country is in a bad condition. Poverty and hunger are everywhere.
In Israel there are lots of Children’s Villages. A lot of people are involved in improving the lives of children at risk. One of those people is Haim Perry (whose granddaughter is one of my best friends). Haim was the head of the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel for many years. At the time that Haim was considering what to do next in his life, a Jewish lawyer in the United States collected lots of donations and gathered 12 million dollars to help orphans in Rwanda. However, she didn’t know what the best way was to help. Knowing that Israel had huge success with children at risk, children from broken homes, she turned to Israelis who she knew, who pointed her to Haim. Haim decided to step down from his role at Yemin Orde and take on maybe the biggest challenge in his life—helping orphans who had seen their parents hacked to death.
The ultimate goal of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is to help the orphans to recover from the trauma they have been through and to teach each one how to become a healthy,Independent child and to grow both emotionally and intellectually.
In the village there are many houses where the orphans live. In each house there are 5 bedrooms, and in each room 4 kids and one responsible adult.
Ninety-percent of the children in the village lost their parents and were left alone. Ten- percent have been left with only their mother, and not even one child has a father.
In the village there are many Israeli volunteers who help raise the children, help them emotionally and become their friends. The volunteers help the orphans develop and build the village—and a lot more.
The people who volunteered in the Agahozo-Shalom Youth village described their work there as the most amazing thing that they have ever done in their life. They speak about how much the kids have taught them and how much they have grown.
As mentioned, the village is called “Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village”. Agahozo means “the place where tears are dried.” And of course “Shalom” means peace, and a message from the Israeli people hoping that they will learn to live in peace. Ann Haiman, the founder, says that though the children are learning to dry their tears, everyone who visits and is touched by the place cries.
The manager, Nir Lahav (an Israeli) in the village says that the village is very well-known in Rwanda and many politicians and statesmen visit each year, seeing how the education works and how it can be applied in other places.
It is important to the teachers and volunteers to help, but not to change the children’s culture. Rwanda may have had lots of troubles, but it also has a rich and beautiful culture. This may sound strange, given the history of genocide and warfare. All the volunteers speak about how much happiness there is, and how the people are naturally friendly and helpful. People who come from all over the world, and have visited in many places, say that the joy and natural happiness that they see in the adults and the children of Rwanda is more than in almost any other place in the world.
Profile
Ever since Talya Golan was a little girl she wanted to be a nurse. However, at age eight she had a traumatic medical condition requiring hospitalization that crushed that dream. Since then she knew that she wanted to teach children and to help them.Five years ago, Talya started working at "Yad – Sara" (a Hospital). At first she was the head of the Child Rehab Project in the hospital. Then she moved to a new job (still at Yad Sara) with responsibility for a project in the hospital where the parents receive support, information, and help caring for their sick children. Then there was a period of time when Talya worked at various jobs and on many projects: she worked with people suffering from terminal illnesses; after a time she saw a sign that said that an organization that she was familiar with was searching for a Manager. She seized the opportunity, applied and received the job. The organization was called "The Agency for the Development of Children". The organization was established by the Education Department in order to help communities that do not have the time and resources to help children with illnesses or other problems. This agency has twenty-seven branches throughout Israel.
The "The Agency for the Development of Children" helps children with health problems which include everything from regular medical problems and includes to really severe physical, genetic and developmental problems. In addition, these children come from houses where their parents do not have enough time to take care of their sick child and their other children as well. Several examples are: a child in kindergarten who was unable to draw or paint. Another baby had a heart problem from birth. There are children who cannot handle bright light and are therefore unable to participate in many activities. There are children who cannot eat normally, or who lack a sense of smell. There are children with communication problems including even the ability to talk.
Parents who do not know how to take care of their child come in and the clinic counsels them on how to take care of the child, how to treat him, give him enough attention while continuing to provide love and support for the whole family. They help them find clinics that are close to their homes and match them to the best clinic for their needs. Each child gets a personalized, detailed treatment plan. One important contribution that the clinic has is to prioritize the most important medical treatments, and help the parents limit the number of medical and hospital visits that the child undergoes. Without the clinic's intervention, sometimes the doctors or the parents overestimate the child's abilities, and forget that the child cannot handle that many medical treatments.
Today, Talya is the manager, as a volunteer, of the clinic located in Maale Adumim. She is the manager of twenty workers in the organization. In at the same time, she teaches Special Education to children with moderate to severe educational disabilities including autism, genetic disorders, and other problems. There, she teaches the children how to use computers, prepares them for their bagrut exams, and so on. Talya remembers one amazing situation where the mother sat with her child every day with the belief that he could overcome his disability, and live a life filled with joy and happiness. They prepared a plan of treatment including medical attention and counseling on how to take care of the child, accept him, and believe in his ability to progress in his life.
The program is set up that the rapist meets with the child for forty-five minutes each week, without the parents, and treats him with emphasis on his emotional well - being and how to cope. Several parents say that the organization has saved their lives since they had tried a number of hospitals, clinics and other organizations but these organizations did not give them the personal attention that they needed that they got from Talya's clinic in Maale Adumim.
Talya says that she feels that she is learning the real value of life from the people whom she works with: the parents, the children, in every hour of every day that she volunteers there. In conclusion, Talya says that "even during the hardest moments, when you might think that this is the end and you cannot go on, you can find strength, faith and the power to continue".
Talya's message for teenagers is, "you should follow your heart. don’t work just for the money". I conclude with the answers to several questions that Talya provided:
Question: what advice do you have for teenagers choosing a profession:
Answer: My message to young people and in fact to my own children is:
1. Follow your heart. Do not seek money only—do something meaningful. Go to where you get up every day with a smile and with a feeling that you are glad for what you are doing.
2. I pray every day and hope to have the power to see only virtue in the people around me. It's not always easy. But that message is very important to me. What I hope to have is really faith in the people around me.
3. Do not give up on your dreams. Then, you will deserve even higher dreams.
4. Much can be learned from mistakes. It's fun to learn from success. But often we make mistakes and must see them as an opportunity to learn. Today's mistake is exactly the challenge of tomorrow. Never give up and think that there is no way out. That would be the end! Never make the mistake of giving in to desperation. Believe that obstacles are part of the way and perhaps the most important part at that.
Question: What do you see yourself in five / ten years?
Answers: Ten years! That's a lot. But I think that I would like to form a support center for women undergoing fertility treatment. It would be a treatment center to provide emotional support to all those couples having difficulty with what nature has denied them—bringing children and descendents. We believe that with the right emotional support you can raise the success rate of medical therapy.
I'm already planning my next book that will deal with stories that provide metaphors, illustrating the way our special treatment works. unit for child development.
If only I could have been a better grandmother than I had. And I would like to be to my children and grandchildren a source of emotional support and joy. That would fulfill me.
Personal connection
Reva l'Sheva Band
Words and music by David Abramson
Two thousand years I wander
Looking for the country that I love
Every day a new broken heart
Every day a new tomorrow
When will there be the redemption?
I firmly believe
In the coming of the messiah
And Love of the Land of Israel
Each day arrives
Here Here it comes
Love of Israel – in my soul
Zion -- Every morning I pray for you
No slumber or sleep for the Keeper of Israel
Every single day I love
Every single day with all my heart
Peace on Israel
I firmly believe
In the Coming of the messiah
And Love of the Land of Israel
Each day arrives
Here Here it comes
Love of Israel in our souls
מילים ולחן: דוד אברמזון
אלפיים שנה אני נודד
מחפש את הארץ אותה אני אוהב
כל יום מחדש הלב נשבר
כל יום מחדש אולי מחר
מתי הגאולה?
אני מאמין באמונה שלמה
בביאת המשיח
בארץ ישראל של אהבה
בכל יום שיגיע
הנה הנה זה בא
אהבת ישראל בנשמה
כל בוקר ציון אליך אני מתפלל
לא ינום לא יישן שומר ישראל
כל יום מחדש אני אוהב
כל יום מחדש עם כל הלב
שלום על ישראל
אני מאמין באמונה שלמה
בביאת המשיח
בארץ ישראל של אהבה
בכל יום שיגיע
הנה הנה זה בא
אהבת ישראל בנשמה
The song was written by David Abrahamson, known as Harpo—May he rest in peace. Harpo lived in Tekoa with his family. Harpo has twin daughters who are my age, and are my friends. Last year on Rosh Hodesh Adar he passed away.
Ever since I came to Israel as a little girl I have listened to this song and I sing it often. I have always enjoyed it. I clearly remember this song from my youth as a part of my life here. When we arrived, the people and especially young people, helped us and welcomed us warmly to Tekoa. The song reminds me of that time, of the wonderful people who greeted me, and how much I love it here.
I think that the best message from this song, is how the artist searched, prayed, and waited for the redemption. He yearns that one day that Israel will have peace. Though the artist explains how he awaits for the redemption, he says that every new day he awakens to a world full of love and, with his whole heart, he feels the dream in his heart for the people of Israel to have peace. I think that it is wonderful how the artist says how much he waits for that moment every day he gets to that point and still he continues to pray and await for the redemption. My true connection reflected in my belief in G-d and the coming of the Messiah, and I think that it is amazing how the artist expresses this hope that we all have and uses it to get to a peaceful place every day.
Despite the fact that our country is far from having been redeemed, still it can attain a vision of life after the Mashiach comes. Perhaps if we all have this belief, this excitement, and this sense of peace, we can hasten the redemption.
Reflection
At first when I started writing my project I did not think that I would enjoy it. To be honest, I do not connect to most of my works, and they do not touch my heart and enlarge my scope of awareness.When I searched for an idea for my research article, I found “The Agahozo Shalom Youth Village”. As I learned more about the village, I saw how much those people help and just come up with an idea to give up their time in order to help children, that are not related to them in any way, really touched my heart.
When I interviewed Talya for my project, I felt that there is so much to learn and receive from her personality and her work. It also made me realize that there are so many good people in this country of Israel that dedicate their lives it in order to make Israel a better place. I feel that this project has improved my writing, and expanded my point of view towards the world.
As I started writing my personal connection, I identified more and more with Harpo’s song. Although it was a song that accompanied me, as a Tekoa resident, from the time that I was a little girl, new meanings opened up for me as I thought about and sang it again.
Bibliography
Shlomit, Sharvit. "The tear driers", Ynet. 10.17.10, 11.8.11.<**http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3970168,00.html**>Shelly, Banjo. "The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village", The Wall Street Journal. 6.2.10, 11.8.10<http://www.asyv.org/home.html>
"Rwanda". Wikipedia.12.23.11, 11.8.11. <**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rwanda**>
Appendices:
Appendix I. Interview Questions
- Where did you live?
- As a little girl, what did you want to do when you grow up?
- Did you think that you would work at this type of job?
- In which organization did you work?
- What do you do there?
- What are the goals of the organization?
- How does the organization help people?
- When and who established the organization?
- How did you get to this job?
10.What exactly is your job in the organization?11.Are there special qualities that are needed for this type of work?
12.Is it possible to create a friendship with the people who you are helping?
13.Why did you choose this type of job?
14.What are the things that you like or dislike about this job?
15.Do you feel that you learn from your work?
16.What message do you give to teenagers?
17.Do you feel that your job affects your personal life?
18.Do you feel that you are successful in the goals that you set for yourself and for the organization?
19.Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
Copies of the sources:
Ynet special: The tear driersSixteen years after their parents were murdered before their eyes, Rwanda genocide orphans get rare chance to start anew in unique youth village. Ynet reporter joins Israeli delegation from Children's Home in Netanya on a once-in-a-lifetime journey
RWANDA – Many Israeli schools send their students on educational visits to the Nazi death camps in Poland in hopes that they'll come back more mature and more humane. Last summer I had the privilege of accompanying an Israeli delegation with similar objectives, but a different destination. The plane carrying a group of at-risk children and teenagers from the Bet Elazraki Children's Home in Netanya landed in Rwanda.
In 1919 Rwanda underwent a major change when it became a mandate territory of the League of Nations under the administration of Belgium, which introduced the doctrine of racial superiority to the former German colony. By measuring the skulls and noses of the locals, the Belgians created a racial-based division between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes.
On April 6 1994, the plane carrying Rwanda's president, Juvenal Habyarimana, was shot down. Despite the fact that it was not clear who was behind the hit, media incitement against the Tutsis intensified, and the Hutus were urged to rise up and massacre them. Thus, between April and July of that year, close to a million people were butchered, stoned, shot, raped and throw into the river.
The genocide ended when Paul Kagame, an exiled Tutsi who lived in Uganda, returned with a small army and took control of the country while putting an end to the killing.
Leaving trauma behind
Some 250 people who were orphaned in the genocide currently reside in the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV), and many more are expected to join them in the coming years.
2.
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) is a residential community in rural Rwanda. Its 144 acres are home to youth who were orphaned during and after the genocide in 1994. The Village is designed to care for, protect and nurture these young people. It is a place of hope, where "tears are dried" (signified by the Kinyarwanda word agahozo) and where the aim is to live in peace (from Hebrew, shalom). The marrying of these two languages and concepts in the name of the Village is intended as a reminder of the success of similar efforts in Israel, where genocide also changed the face of a nation.
Within Agahozo-Shalom’s supportive and structured community, the rhythm of life is being restored, with the ultimate goal of equipping young people who have lived through great trauma to become healthy, self-sufficient, and engaged in the rebuilding of their nation. The environment of love and safety created at Agahozo-Shalom serves as the backdrop for programs designed to help our teenagers grow both emotionally and intellectually. The experiences they accumulate at their village home are intended to help them at every level of their future development.
In addition to healing oneself, Agahozo-Shalom teaches the principle of serving the community, both locally and globally. The young people at Agahozo-Shalom are learning through principle and practice the value of mending the world around them (as are the many volunteers who join us from around the world). Our graduates will emerge from Agahozo-Shalom as balanced adults who are not only able to care for themselves and their families, but who are committed to making their community, their country, and their world, a better place.
3.
Rwanda
Rwanda /ruːˈɑːndə/ or /ruːˈændə/, officially the Republic of Rwanda (Kinyarwanda: Repubulika y'u Rwanda; French: République du Rwanda), is a country in central and eastern Africa with a population of approximately 11.4 million (2011). Rwanda is located a few degrees south of the Equator, and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. All of Rwanda is at high elevation, with a geography dominated by mountains in the west, savanna in the east, and numerous lakes throughout the country. The climate is temperate, with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons every year.
The population is young and predominantly rural, with a density among the highest in Africa. Rwandans form three groups: the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. These groups share a common culture and language and are classified as social groups rather than tribes. Christianity is the largest religion in the country, and the principal language is Kinyarwanda, spoken by most Rwandans. Rwanda follows a presidential system of government. The President is Paul Kagame of the Rwandan (RPF). The government receives electoral support from across the community, and corruption levels are low relative to other Sub-Saharan African countries, although human rights organizations allege suppression of opposition groups.
Rough draft:Appendix II. ProfileEver since Talya Golan was a little girl she wanted to be a nurse. However, at age eight she had a traumatic medical condition requiring hospitalization that crushed that dream. Since then she knew that she wanted to teach children and to help them.
Five years ago, Talya started working at "Yad – Sara" (a Hospital). At first she was the head of the Child Rehab Project in the hospital. Then she moved to a new job (still at Yad Sara) with responsibility for a project in the hospital where the parents receive support, information, and help caring for their sick children. Then there was a period of time when Talya worked at many varied jobs and on many projects: she worked with people suffering from terminal illnesses; after a time she saw a sign that said that an organization that she was familiar with was searching for a Manager. She seized the opportunity, applied and received the job. The organization was called "The Agency for the Development of Children". The organization was established by the Education Department in order to help communities that do not have the time and resources to help children with illnesses or other problems. This agency has twenty-seven branches throughout Israel.
In the "The Agency for the Development of Children" children with health problems which include everything from regular medical problems and all the way to really severe physical, genetic and developmental problems that come from houses where their parents do not have enough time to take care of their sick child and their other children as well. Several examples are: a child in kindergarten who was unable to draw or paint. Another baby had a heart problem from birth. There are children who cannot handle bright light and are therefore unable to participate in many activities. There are children who cannot eat normally, and who lack a sense of smell. There are children with communication problems including even the ability to talk.
Parents who do not know how to take care of their child come in and the clinic counsels them on how to take care of the child, how to treat him, give him enough attention while continuing to provide love and support for the whole family. They help them find clinics that are close to their homes and match them to the best clinic for their needs. Each child gets a personalized, detailed treatment plan. One important contribution that the clinic has is to prioritize the most important medical treatments, and help the parents limit the number of medical and hospital visits that the child undergoes. Without the clinic, sometimes the doctors or the parents overdo it and forget that the child cannot handle that many medical treatments.
Today, Talya is the manager, as a volunteer, in the clinic located in Maale Adumim, She is the manager of twenty workers in the organization. In parallel, she teaches Special Education to children with moderate to severe educational disabilities including autism, genetic disorders, and other problems. There, she teaches the children how to use computers, prepares children for their bagrut exams, Talya remembers one amazing situation where the mother sat with her child every day with belief that he could succeed. They prepared a plan of treatment including medical attention and counseling on how to take care of the child, accept him, and believe in his ability to progress in his life. The therapist meets with the child for forty-five minutes each week, without the parents, and treats him with emphasis on his emotional state and how to cope. Several parents say that the organization saved their lives and that they had tried a number of hospitals, clinics and other organizations but these organizations did not give them the personal attention that they needed that they got from Talya's clinic in Maale Adumim.
Talya says that she feels that she is learning the real value of life from the people whom she works with, the parents, the children, in every hour of every day that she volunteers there. In conclusion, Talya says that even during the hardest moments, when you might think that this is the end and you cannot go on, you can find strength, faith and the power to continue.
Appendix III. ResearchThe Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Raheli Cooper
On April 6 1994, Rwanda's president, Juvenal Habyarimana, was killed when his plane was shot out of the air. Hutus were called upon to massacre their long-standing enemies, the Tutsis who, years earlier, had massacred the Hutus. Close to a million people were killed in the most barbaric ways as the world stood helplessly by.
As a result, millions of people lost their homes, their families and millions of children lost their parents. Even today, the country is in a bad condition. Poverty and hunger are everywhere.
In Israel there are lots of Children’s Villages. A lot of people are involved in improving the lives of children at risk. One of those people is Haim Perry (whose granddaughter is one of my best friends). Haim was the head of the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel for many years. At the time that Haim was considering what to do next in his life, a Jewish lawyer in the United States collected lots of donations and gathered 12 million dollars to help orphans in Rwanda.
However, she didn’t know what the best way was to help. Knowing that Israel had huge success with children at risk, children from broken homes, she turned to Israelis who she knew, who pointed her to Haim. Haim decided to step down from his role at Yemin Orde and take on maybe the biggest challenge in his life—helping orphans who had seen their parents hacked to death.
The ultimate goal of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is to help the orphans to recover from the trauma they have been through and to teach each one how to become a healthy, Independent child and to grow both emotionally and intellectually.
In the village there are many houses where the orphans live. In each house there are 5 bedrooms, and in each room 4 kids and one responsible adult.
Ninety-percent of the children in the village lost their parents and were left alone. Ten- percent have been left with only their mother, and not even one child has a father.
In the village there are many Israeli volunteers who help raise the children, help them emotionally and become their friends. The volunteers help the orphans develop and build the village—and a lot more.
The people who volunteered in the Agahozo-Shalom Youth village described their work there as the most amazing thing that they have ever done in their life. They speak about how much the kids have taught them and how much they have grown.
As mentioned, the village is called “Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village”. Agahozo means “the place where tears are dried.” And of course “Shalom” mean peace, and a message from the Israeli people hoping that they will learn to live in peace. Ann Haiman, the founder, says that though the children are learning to dry their tears, everyone who visits and is touched by the place cries.
The manager, Nir Lahav (an Israeli) in the village says that the village is very well-known in Rwanda and many politicians and statesmen visit each year, seeing how the education works and how it can be applied in other places.
It is important to the teachers and volunteers to help, but not to change the children’s culture. Rwanda may have had lots of troubles, but it also has a rich and beautiful culture. This may sound strange, given the history of genocide and warfare. All the volunteers speak about how much happiness there is, and how the people are naturally friendly and helpful. People who come from all over the world, and have visited in many places, say that the joy and natural happiness that they see in the adults and the children of Rwanda is more than in almost any other place in the world.
Appendix IV: RationaleWhen I had to choose the subject for my research, I first sat down and searched on the internet but found nothing that I really connected to. The day after I sat down with my father thinking and searching for a good subject. My father came up with the idea of researching the project done by the grandfather of a good friend of mine. I talked with my friend many times about her grandfather but didn't quite understand what his work was. Her father also was involved, and would fly to Rwanda every once in a while.
From there, I searched the internet for information on the project, and at that moment I decided that this is the perfect subject for my research. In conclusion, the organization is a youth village in Rwanda that is called the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village—meaning "The Place Where The Tears are Dried". In the village, there are orphans from all over Rwanda who were left with nothing—physically and emotionally. Amazing people from Israel built this village, and continue to work there. I think that the Israelis who established the organization are wonderful, beautiful human beings who are doing such a great act of loving-kindness.
In conclusion, I chose this subject because I feel very connected to good that the people do in the organization.
Exactly when I finished my research, and I was so amazed from the good that people do, I did not know that there are so many people in the world who do so many great things for society. When I interviewed my mother's friend, Talya, who lives in Tekoa, I was shocked to see how much she gives of herself, without receiving money for all that she does. Talya is the manager of the Agency for the Development of the Child. She takes care of children, and does that as a volunteer. I really hope that one day I will get to help people as well and feel the great feeling that Talya described.
The subject for the creative connection that I chose is a song that accompanied me since I was a little girl and has a strong place in my heart. I think that it reflects my love and connection to the country. It describes how much I see in the people who live around me, and how we are all connected to a great dream.
When I hear this song, it reminds of how much beauty there is in people and how
much fun it is to be an Israeli.
Appendix V: Personal ConnectionWhen I was a little girl my family and I came to Israel. The move affects my life as a Jewish-Israeli girl in many ways. I am very thankful that I live in Israel – I love my country very much. I express that love in many ways: I explore the country, I go on hikes to see how beautiful it is. I thank HaShem every day for the privilege of living here. I chose one of the songs that reflects my life and feelings—expressing the love and connection to my country. The song is called "In the Soul".
The song was written by David Abrahamson, known as Harpo—May he rest in peace. Harpo lived in Tekoa with his family. Harpo has twin daughters who are my age, and are my friends. Last year on Rosh Hodesh Adar he passed away.
Ever since I came to Israel as a little girl I have listened to this song and I sing it often. I have always enjoyed it. I clearly remember this song from my youth as a part of my life here. When we arrived, the people and especially young people, helped us and welcomed us to Tekoa very nicely. The song reminds me of that time, of the wonderful people who greeted me, and how much I love it here.
I think that the thing that I love the most from this song, is how the artist searched, prayed, and waited for the redemption. He yearns that one day that Israel will have peace. Though the artist explains how he awaits for the redemption, he says that every new day he awakens to a world full of love and, with his whole heart, he feels the dream in his heart for the people of Israel to have peace. I think that it is a wonderful thing that the artist says how much he waits for that moment every day he gets to that point and still he continues to pray and await for the redemption. My true connection reflected in my belief in G-d and the coming of the Messiah, and I think that it is amazing how the artist expresses this hope that we all have and uses it to get to a peaceful place every day.
Despite the fact that our country is far from having been redeemed, still he can attain a vision of life after the Mashiach comes. Perhaps if we all have this belief, this excitement, and this sense of peace, we can hasten the redemption.
Appendix VI: ReflectionAt first when I started writing my project I did not think that I would enjoy it. To be honest, I do not connect to most of my works, and they do not touch my heart and enlarge my scope of awareness.